Understanding Arthritis & Available Treatment Options

When you have an injury or arthritis of your shoulder or elbow, doing even seemingly simple tasks can prove difficult. You may be unable to lift or move your arm without experiencing pain. Though many conditions can result in shoulder pain, some of the most common causes include:

Rotator cuff tears
Rotator cuff tears are one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. They often occur after traumatic injuries in younger patients and from degenerative disease in the elderly population. 

Bicep tendonitis
Bicep tendonitis is when one of the tendons that connect the bicep to the shoulder becomes torn or inflamed. This condition often results from overuse or repetitive motion, such as throwing a ball.

Rotator cuff arthropathy or arthritis
Rotator cuff arthropathy is a severe form of shoulder arthritis that can occur after a large rotator cuff tear, especially if it is left untreated. In addition to causing intense pain, the condition can also lead to issues with strength and stability.

Post-traumatic arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis is a form of osteoarthritis that can occur after a joint injury, sometimes months or years after the initial trauma. Pain and stiffness are common symptoms; over time, many people may experience loss of function.

AC joint arthritis
AC joint arthritis occurs in the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, where the collarbone and shoulder blade meet. Wear and tear can lead to cartilage loss in the joint, interfering with smooth joint motion and leading to pain, swelling, and, eventually, spurs around the joint.

How
We Can
Help

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Joint Denervation Surgery

Joint denervation is a new and unique treatment approach that addresses the “supply” of pain to the brain rather than the joint itself, combating shoulder and elbow pain and arthritis by eliminating the associated neurologic pain pathways with very little recovery time.
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Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

A reverse total shoulder arthroplasty uses artificial parts to replace the ball and socket portion of your shoulder joint, with the natural position of these parts reversed. This option is ideal for people with severe rotator cuff damage, reducing pain and restoring stability.
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Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

A total shoulder arthroplasty replaces the damaged areas of your shoulder with artificial parts, including both the ball and socket parts of the joint, relieving severe pain caused by arthritis or trauma and restoring vital functionality for patients.
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Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty

A shoulder hemiarthroplasty, or a partial shoulder replacement, replaces the damaged head of the humerus bone (the ball of the shoulder joint) with a prosthesis while leaving the socket portion intact — providing relief from pain, stiffness, instability, and more.
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Shoulder Arthroscopy with Rotator Cuff Tendon Repair and Biceps Tenotomy

When the tendons of the rotator cuff are damaged, we offer several outpatient surgical options for repair. Rotator cuff repair involves reattaching a torn tendon to the bone. If necessary, we can perform a biceps tenotomy, which releases the tendon from the joint without affecting strength and motion.

Our Mission Is To Improve The Quality Of Our Patients’ Lives

Our cutting-edge procedures have helped transform the lives of thousands of patients. Hear their stories and more about the procedure here: 
"Dr. Shah is very informative, professional, and soothes the patient by educating them for their well-being. He treats the patient as necessary, not more not less with skill and intelligence. I am grateful."
- CSH Patient of Dr. Shah
"Dr. Iyer was professional, courteous and made me feel very comfortable. He has a great bedside manner, and I am very pleased with the outcome. I would absolutely recommend him to others."
- Patient of Dr. Iyer

Find Convenient Care with Six Locations Across New Jersey.

Red Bank
Red Bank
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331 Newman Springs Rd. 
Building 2 - First Floor, STE 200
Red Bank, New Jersey 07701
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Phone: 855-980-6981
Florham Park
Florham Park
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83 Hanover Road
Suite 260
Florham Park, New Jersey 07932
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Phone: 855-980-6981
Freehold
Freehold
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3499 Route 9 North, Building 1
Suite 1A
Freehold, New Jersey 07728
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Phone: 855-980-6981
Hopewell
Hopewell
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1 Capital Way
Suite 390
Pennington, New Jersey 08534
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Phone: 855-980-6981
Hackensack
Hackensack
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20 Prospect Ave
Suite 903, 9th Floor
Hackensack, New Jersey 07601
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Phone: 551-228-2208

Is Shoulder Arthritis Treatment Right for Me?

Injuries and arthritis of the shoulder and elbow can significantly disrupt your life. Living with constant pain and inflammation can cause frustration, while instability and loss of strength can make doing daily tasks impossible. Schedule a consultation if you experience chronic:

  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling 
  • Pain in the forearm that radiates to the elbow
  • Physical joint deformities 
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Difficulty raising arm
  • Inability to lift items

Have questions, or need more information? Get in touch with us today.

About
The Center for
Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery

The Center for Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery at The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction offers comprehensive, highly specialized treatments for hand and upper extremity injuries. 

Our dedicated team of providers is composed of surgeons with subspecialty expertise in hand and upper extremity surgery and microsurgery, as well as a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician specializing in pain management.

We offer advanced treatments for various types of shoulder and elbow injuries and arthritis, allowing patients to experience life with less pain.

Frequently
Asked
Questions

What is arthritis?

Arthritis describes the pain, stiffness, and inflammation that many people experience within joints, or the intersection where two bones meet. When cartilage in the joints degenerates, this creates a “bone on bone” motion, leading to pain and sometimes deformity.

What may indicate shoulder arthritis?

People with shoulder arthritis often experience pain or stiffness in the shoulder, especially with movement. They may also have:

  • Decreased range of motion
  • Less flexibility
  • Swelling and inflammation
  • Difficulty lifting or reaching overhead
  • A grinding or creaking sensation in the shoulder
How is shoulder arthritis diagnosed?
Diagnosing shoulder arthritis begins with a physical examination and a review of your medical history. Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans allow closer examination of damaged areas.
What may indicate elbow arthritis?

People with elbow arthritis often experience pain or stiffness in the elbow, especially with movement. They may also have:

  • Decreased range of motion
  • Less flexibility at the elbow joint
  • Swelling and inflammation
  • Difficulty lifting or gripping objects
How is elbow arthritis diagnosed?

Confirming a diagnosis of elbow arthritis will involve ruling out other potential causes of pain. Your doctor will perform a physical exam, gather detailed medical history, and order imaging tests such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan.

How do you treat arthritis?

Our goal in treating arthritis at The Center for Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery is to reduce pain and preserve as much motion as possible. We take an individualized approach for each patient, providing detailed information about your treatment options so you can make the best decision for you.

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